Legislators / Cheryl K. Acton
Cheryl K. Acton
Republican · House District 38
Hear from them directly
Contact Rep. Cheryl K. Acton
- Email: cacton@le.utah.gov
- Phone: 801-809-3571
- Office: 350 N State Street, Ste. 350, Salt Lake City, UT, 84114
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Watch or join a meeting
Every committee hearing and floor session is open to the public and streamed live on le.utah.gov. Each committee's agenda has the link to watch or join online, and how to sign up for public comment.
Cheryl K. Acton serves on:
- Criminal Justice Appropriations Subcommittee
- House Health and Human Services Committee
- House Judiciary Committee
- Health and Human Services Interim Committee
- Judiciary Interim Committee
- Retirement and Independent Entities Interim Committee
- Child Welfare Legislative Oversight Panel
What they've said
139 remarks on 48 billsH.B. 123 Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registration Amendments · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Explains that the bill clarifies that an offender transferring to Utah from out of state must be registered on the sex offender registry, and that a technical timestamp issue required a third substitute.
▶ Watch at 9:25Read what they said
Yes. This is the bill that clarifies that an offender transferring to Utah from out of state must be registered on our sex offender registry. And, um, what happened? It was a, a anyway, we had, we adopted the third substitute, which was identical to the bill that we passed here, which was the first substitute. But due to a very technical timestamp issue within the system, we had to do a third sub. And so it is back to where it was when we passed it through the house.
S.B. 252 Water Usage at State-owned Facilities Amendments · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Asks the floor sponsor to yield for questions.
▶ Watch at 29:56Read what they said
Thank you. I will the sponsor yield to a question. Representative Koford, will you yield to a question?
S.B. 252 Water Usage at State-owned Facilities Amendments · House floor debate (day 45) · Mar 6, 2026
Asks whether the bill would require retrofitting existing landscaping and whether it applies only near the Great Salt Lake or statewide.
▶ Watch at 30:05Read what they said
I'm just wondering will they have to go retroactively re landscape anything? And it is it the other question, I guess two questions. Um, the other question is, isn't isn't it only in the, um, the vicinity of the Great Salt Lake or is it statewide?
H.B. 123 Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registration Amendments · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Moves to refuse to concur with the Senate amendments to H.B. 123 and ask the Senate to recede from its amendments.
▶ Watch at 35:23Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I move to refuse to concur with and ask the Senate and ask the Senate to recede from their amendments.
H.B. 123 Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registration Amendments · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Says the Senate substitute has a serious flaw that the Senate also recognizes, and a quick conference is needed to fix it.
▶ Watch at 35:39Read what they said
That sounds so exciting and I appreciate the response but it's actually very simple. Um, the sub that they adopted has a serious flaw. They now realize it as well. And so we just need a quick conference to undo that and that's what this is about.
S.B. 92 Prosecution Amendments · House floor debate (day 44) · Mar 5, 2026
Speaks in support of the bill, saying the perpetrators received lighter sentences than they should have and that similar laws exist in other states.
▶ Watch at 1:37:38Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker Pro Tem. I also wanted to rise in, um, support for this bill. Uh, I, we learned that because this individual fought for her life and survived this horrific ordeal and 50 subsequent surgeries, because of her determination to live, her perpetrators will receive or have received a lighter sentence than they should have received since she did ultimately succumb to their injuries. And so this is a great bill and I understand that it is done in multiple other states already that, so it's nothing unusual and it does not place them in double jeopardy anyone who would be charged. So I do support this bill. Thanks.
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · House floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Moves to adopt the second substitute.
▶ Watch at 1:14:48Read what they said
Yes, I would. Thank you. Motion To adopt First substitute, Oh, I'm sorry. Second substitute. Motion to adopt. Second substitute, which is online
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · House floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Explains the second substitute: it covers child lethality review background, requires probable cause, a peace officer accompanying the caseworker, limits investigations to child health and safety, and requires review by a supervisor, the attorney general, and a judge; asks for support.
▶ Watch at 1:15:08Read what they said
Thank you. That was close. Um, it is online and there is a handout out that was passed around. But the background on this, as the good representative from Price mentioned, um, she and I and the bill sponsor serve, uh, on the child, um, welfare legislative oversight panel. And one of the things we do on that panel is we review each year the child lethality report for Utah, which, which summarizes the deaths of all children in who've had any association with DCFS over the previous two years, if they pass away or nearly pass away. Uh, we review that. And the reason for that is, um, there was a court case years ago in which, um, the …
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · House floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Explains that the bill grew out of the child welfare oversight panel's review of child lethality reports and high-profile cases, requires probable cause, a peace officer, and approvals from several officials before a warrant to see a child, and asks for the body's support.
▶ Watch at 1:15:08Read what they said
Thank you. That was close. Um, it is online and there is a handout out that was passed around. But the background on this, as the good representative from Price mentioned, um, she and I and the bill sponsor serve, uh, on the child, um, welfare legislative oversight panel. And one of the things we do on that panel is we review each year the child lethality report for Utah, which, which summarizes the deaths of all children in who've had any association with DCFS over the previous two years, if they pass away or nearly pass away. Uh, we review that. And the reason for that is, um, there was a court case years ago in which, um, the …
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · House floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Answers that removal warrants are separate from this bill, have a higher standard and a tighter timeline, and that this bill addresses cases where the family cannot be reached and the child's safety cannot be verified.
▶ Watch at 1:20:33Read what they said
Uh, I will answer that a removal warrant by, you know, very, very necessary for that to be a very high standard. Um, removing a child from a parent's home is, I've heard tragic stories of how that is just devastating, not only to the parent, but also to the child in many cases, especially if it's unfounded accusation. So a removal warrant is completely separate. It wasn't, it's not involved with either the underlying bill or the sub. It's a comp, it's a whole different, and it is more exigent, so it has to happen much more quickly. It has a much tighter timeline and so forth. This is just, we, we can't get ahold of the family. We …
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · House floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Explains that a removal warrant is separate from this bill, has a higher standard and a faster timeline, and that this bill addresses cases where the family cannot be reached and a child's safety cannot be verified.
▶ Watch at 1:20:33Read what they said
Uh, I will answer that a removal warrant by, you know, very, very necessary for that to be a very high standard. Um, removing a child from a parent's home is, I've heard tragic stories of how that is just devastating, not only to the parent, but also to the child in many cases, especially if it's unfounded accusation. So a removal warrant is completely separate. It wasn't, it's not involved with either the underlying bill or the sub. It's a comp, it's a whole different, and it is more exigent, so it has to happen much more quickly. It has a much tighter timeline and so forth. This is just, we, we can't get ahold of the family. We …
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · House floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Says the bill seeks to strike a balance and thanks members for their support.
▶ Watch at 1:24:28Read what they said
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just would say, again, it's trying to strike that balance. And with that, i, I, I waive the rest of my sum or thank you for your support. I hope.
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · House floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Says the bill seeks to strike a balance and waives the rest of her time.
▶ Watch at 1:24:28Read what they said
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just would say, again, it's trying to strike that balance. And with that, i, I, I waive the rest of my sum or thank you for your support. I hope.
S.B. 130 River Restoration Amendments · House floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Presents S.B. 130, which directs the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands to coordinate efforts along the Jordan River, including capital improvements for recreational access and river safety, through a matching grant program subject to legislative appropriation.
▶ Watch at 2:24:19Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Um, there is so much I would love to say about this bill and about the Jordan River in general, but in the interest of time, um, this bill directs our state agency, the division of forestry, fire, and state lands, to coordinate efforts along the Jordan River. Um, it has some needs for some capital improvements for safer recreational access to the river. Um, other improvements related to the river, um, in terms of safety. Um, also by administering a matching, oh, the way they'll accomplish this is by administering a matching, a matching grant program only as it is appropriated by the state legislature. So we do retain control over that. Uh, the bill …
S.B. 229 State Employee Benefits Amendments · House floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Asks whether the bill will decrease the total sick leave available to a parent whose child with a chronic illness uses all sick leave early each year.
▶ Watch at 2:38:36Read what they said
Um, I have a child with chronic illness and she uses all of her sick leave every year pretty close to the beginning of the year. Is this going to decrease the amount of sick leave that she has total?
S.B. 229 State Employee Benefits Amendments · House floor debate (day 43) · Mar 4, 2026
Asks whether employees can contribute independently to a 401k to supplement their retirement, presumably without a match.
▶ Watch at 2:40:06Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker Pro. Tim, will the sponsor yield to a question Sponsor yield? Yes. Sponsor Will yield. I'm just wondering, um, the examples you've given, can an employee contribute independently to a 401k to augment their, their own retirement, presumably without any sort of match? Of course.
H.B. 528 Local School Board Reporting · Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Introduced HB 528 on local school board reporting, saying it requires districts to send existing open enrollment data to the State Board of Education, which would publish it, and that it aims to give parents an overview of education options and improve transparency.
▶ Watch at 1:14:45Read what they said
Okay. Is this on? Yes. It sounds like it's okay. Yes, you are on, um, yes, it's local school board reporting. And until now I hadn't even thought about the fact that it has that word reporting, which to me is a red flag. But I want to reassure the committee that, um, this does not require any sort of new report. It's, um, it's, it's already in code that school districts are required to post open enrollment data on their websites each year. This bill does not add to that reporting requirement at all. It simply requires them also to send that data to the state board, um, and they can just copy and paste it to them. It …
H.B. 528 Local School Board Reporting · Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Summarized the bill as helping parents see their education options and adding transparency, and thanked the committee for its support.
▶ Watch at 1:19:25Read what they said
Um, just, you know, helping parents with a better overview of all their educational options, more transparency. Um, and I just appreciate your support and I don't like the big jumbotron. That's my only comment, but if I don't look up there. Senator Owen, Thank you.
S.B. 258 Infant at Work Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Mar 3, 2026
Shared a personal experience of bringing a baby to work at a law library decades ago, said it was not very disruptive, and expressed support for the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:46:15Read what they said
Thank you. Um, I have to declare a bias here because when I was a new mom, my first baby, I worked at the BYU law library. And at the time, um, they were already, this was more than 35 years ago. Um, they were already allowing moms to bring a baby to work and that was because of a, one of the professors had done so and so they made it for the entire law school. And I so appreciated that. And the baby, you know, they sleep mostly. Mm-hmm. Anyway, it was a great experience, but I also think it's great for the baby. A lot of the things I sometimes look at bills from the perspective of …
H.B. 123 Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registration Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Sponsor said the substitute bill clarifies that out-of-state offenders who must register in their prior state must also register in Utah, citing public safety and compliance, with no new program or fiscal note.
▶ Watch at 1:06:50Read what they said
First substitute Representative Acton. Thank you Mr. Chair and Committee for hearing these bills today. Both of these came to my attention because of my association with the Interstate Compact Commission, and I think they're both pretty simple. But, um, the first one, HP 1 23 sub one, um, it simply clarifies that if an out-of-state offender comes to Utah, who was on the sex offender registry in his prior state, um, and the offense would require them to be on the sex offender registry in Utah, that they, they should be on the sex offender registry here as well. And the reason this is necessary is that some have interpreted our current statute differently. And, um, because of that, …
H.B. 123 Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registration Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Responded to the public objection, saying she did not recall the organization's conversation, and listed groups that support the bill and asked for the committee's support.
▶ Watch at 1:11:58Read what they said
Yes. I would just say, yeah, I don't recall any conversation with this organization that, that alleges to have talked to me about these things. And I think, I think he was quoting the House committee hearing. Okay. 'cause he did talk about the sponsor and I'm okay. I'm, so, anyway, um, but it has, this bill does have agreement from CCJJ, the sentencing commission, the Interstate Compact Commission and Swap. And I would just appreciate your support.
H.B. 134 Offender Transfer Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Presents H.B. 134, which raises the fee for Utah offenders on probation or parole who transfer to another state from $50 to $90 based on inflation, clarifies who may apply for transfer and when, requires arrest warrants for out-of-state parole violations, and coordinates warrant information with BCI and the National Crime Information Center.
▶ Watch at 1:13:03Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Chair and committee again. Um, this bill was needed. It's, I don't know if you would call it, I don't know the definition of a cleanup bill, but it was needed to meet the needs of our interstate compact commission. They, I think they kind of save up over a few years of things that would really help them in their job. Um, the only major change in it really is that we are increasing the fee for an a Utah person on probation or parole to transfer to another state. It has always been $50, which is very, very, very low. Um, and it's going up to just $90. And of course, it's purely voluntary if …
H.B. 134 Offender Transfer Amendments · Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 27, 2026
Responds that the fee increase is mostly due to inflation, and also reflects costs of transferring offenders out of state and retrieving offenders who reoffend out of state.
▶ Watch at 1:16:49Read what they said
I will. I would just say that, yeah, um, the fee is that much like I said, because of inflation, but also there are costs involved with transferring out of state. And also if we need to go pick up an offender out of state who has reoffended, which is quite common, that's the reason for the fee increase, but it's mostly inflation.
H.B. 528 Local School Board Reporting · House floor debate (day 38) · Feb 27, 2026
Explains that the bill requires districts to send their annual open enrollment statistics to the state board, giving a statewide picture of enrollment trends in K-12 schools and options for parents, and opens the floor to questions.
▶ Watch at 49:41Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Yes. Um, each year, school districts across the state, uh, send a report or post a report to their websites about open enrollment statistics in their area. But this bill requires them to just copy that, send it to the state board as well, so that they can publish it to the data gateway that they operate. And it gives a statewide picture of open enrollment trends in traditional K through 12 schools so that, um, we can see where students are gravitating and, and, um, what options may be available for parents. And that's what the bill does. Um, so I'm open for questions.
S.B. 233 Judicial Performance Evaluation Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Asks whether the evaluation is the one voters can access when deciding judicial retention elections.
▶ Watch at 45:54Read what they said
Thank you. Is this, um, evaluation, is this the one that, that voters can access to decide in retention elections?
S.B. 233 Judicial Performance Evaluation Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Asks why appellate timelines are longer in state courts than the U.S. Supreme Court's timelines.
▶ Watch at 54:01Read what they said
Thank you. Thank you. I just wondered, 'cause the thing that confuses me is that SCOTUS completes their work, you know, by the time they recess at the end of June or early July. And I just wonder why it's so often, it, it, maybe it's because it's kind of the end of the line. I don't know why is it longer in state courts?
S.B. 92 Prosecution Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Asks whether delayed death exception laws in other states have been upheld on appeal.
▶ Watch at 1:15:11Read what they said
Thank you. I'm just wondering, have cases in other states with this delayed death exception, have they held up on appeal Representative Acton?
S.B. 92 Prosecution Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Thanks April Turner for sharing and says Desiree's story clarified the issue for her.
▶ Watch at 1:26:38Read what they said
Thank you. I just also wanted to thank April Turner for coming and sharing more of the reasons behind this bill. And I do remember when Desiree came to the house floor and what an inspiration she was. It wasn't all that long after the incident happened. And, um, and I loved what April said, that because she fought to live through 50 surgeries, her perpetrators got a lighter sentence. And that really, um, clarified the issue for me. So I appreciate April for coming. Thanks.
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Moved to adopt amendment number one to the first substitute.
▶ Watch at 1:55:26Read what they said
It's, I'd like to make a motion that we, um, adopt the amendment to SB 1 24 first substitute.
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend the first substitute of SB 124 as amended to the House body.
▶ Watch at 1:56:17Read what they said
Thank you. I'd like to make a motion that we favorably recommend SB 1 24 first substitute as amended to the body of the house.
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Spoke in support of the bill, saying DCFS needs the investigative warrant power and that it does not involve removal.
▶ Watch at 1:56:35Read what they said
Yes. I just wanted to say that I certainly support the sanctity of parenthood, the sanctity of the home, but the opponents to this bill have not offered any solutions that would have saved Gavin. And this bill would have saved Gavin. Gavin, his family members or his perpetrators, would not allow anyone to see him. And if they had seen him, they would've seen the condition that he was in. Um, so DCFS does need the power of this investigative warrant. I'm very happy that it does not involve removal at all. That's not part of it, it's just an investigative warrant. Thank you.
S.B. 124 Child Welfare Modifications · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 26, 2026
Said that the number of child torture cases in the state is increasing, which is why the bill is needed.
▶ Watch at 1:58:26Read what they said
I should also mention that there's an increasing number of child torture cases in our state, and that is exactly why this is needed. And that's all. Thanks.
S.B. 68 Disability Litigation Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Asked how a website could be inaccessible and what the accessibility problems are.
▶ Watch at 57:10Read what they said
Oh, thank you. I just wondered, how could a website not be accessible? Is it font size or audio, or what?
S.B. 161 Evaluations in Guardianship Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 25, 2026
Moved to favorably recommend SB 161.
▶ Watch at 1:40:32Read what they said
Thank you, Madam Chair. I'd like to make a motion that we recommend favorably SB 1 61 guardianship evaluations.
H.B. 528 Local School Board Reporting · House Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Presents HB 528, which would require school districts to report open enrollment data to the State Board of Education and list a district contact person, with the State Board publishing the reports.
▶ Watch at 1:59:24Read what they said
That's okay. Thank you, Mr. Chair and Committee. And, um, yes, this is open enrollment reporting. It's sb, I'm sorry, HB 5 28. But I'm speaking to the first step and, um, it's slightly different. Not that much different, but it's part of our school choice policy. That's this kind of one little aspect of it. It's already in code, actually, that school districts are required to report open enrollment data on their website. Um, but only about 27% of school districts do so, so that's like 11 outta 41 do. But because of this, um, it's not very transparent what's going on with open enrollment. It's difficult for people to access the information, and it's not very parent friendly. …
H.B. 528 Local School Board Reporting · House Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Explains that the data would show how many students at each school live outside that school's boundaries, and gives her own children as an example.
▶ Watch at 2:11:46Read what they said
So, so what we're trying to do is we're trying to figure out how many of the students, what percentage of the students attending a particular school live outside of the boundaries for that school. Is that the whole purpose of this? Well, that's the open enrollment. Yes, I believe so. Um, you know, you raise a good question though. And, and I'm gonna have to ask Christine on this. I believe the open it, it, it means that they live outside of the boundaries of that school. For example, my children, Uintah Copper Hills High School, that was their boundary school. If they had chosen to go to West Hills, I'm sorry, if they had chosen to go to …
H.B. 528 Local School Board Reporting · House Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Confirms the bill would make public the number of students enrolled at each school from outside its boundary.
▶ Watch at 2:13:26Read what they said
Um, and we do also report, um, the, uh, enrollment cap. We also in report the number of students that are actually enrolled. And what you're trying to do here, if I understand correctly, is just understand for each given school, how many students are enrolled outside of the, outside of that boundary that's assigned to that school. That's the whole purpose of this right here. And then, and to make that information public Yes. And exactly make it public.
H.B. 528 Local School Board Reporting · House Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Explains that the substitute clarifies the bill applies to school districts and changes the effective date and reporting dates.
▶ Watch at 2:18:16Read what they said
Um, the, the sub, it just clarified, um, that it's, uh, school districts and it also changed the effective date and the reporting dates to align with other reporting dates for SBE. It just makes it easier for the state board.
H.B. 528 Local School Board Reporting · House Education Committee · Feb 24, 2026
Says the bill helps parents by giving an overview of education options and makes trends in open enrollment easier to analyze, and asks for support.
▶ Watch at 2:19:26Read what they said
Um, I would just say, you know, it does help parents, it gives them an overview of educational options and, um, it's easier to analyze trends in open enrollment throughout the state. So I would appreciate your support. Thank you.
H.B. 547 Transnational Repression Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Asked whether the bill would apply to all people living in Utah or only to US citizens.
▶ Watch at 47:08Read what they said
Thank you. Um, I like this and I, I definitely see the need for this, but I wonder does this apply, would this apply to all people who live in Utah or, um, only if they've become US citizens?
H.B. 555 Changes to Family Law Actions · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Rep. Acton moved to adopt House Amendment 1.
▶ Watch at 1:21:16Read what they said
Thank you. Is there no substitute One Amendment? Just amendment. Just one. Okay. I, oh, I do see it there. Okay. I'd like to move Amendment one, adult Amendment. That
H.B. 555 Changes to Family Law Actions · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Rep. Acton said the public testimony was compelling and that she appreciates the bill.
▶ Watch at 1:25:22Read what they said
Yes. Uh, I just wanted to say, I thought, especially in this bill presentation, I thought that the public testimony was very, um, compelling. And I thought I learned a lot from those who came forward to speak. Um, and I think one of the most important things that emerged was that, you know, the children, how can they, when the focus is completely removed, well, not completely, but when the focus is shifted over to legal matters and then, and it becomes internalized not only in the parents, but un undoubtedly also in the children. And it's just, it is, um, it is using the courts vindictively, it is a form of abuse. And so that came through in …
S.B. 109 Alienation of Affection Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Asks whether the bill limits only later lawsuits after a divorce or also claims raised within the divorce case.
▶ Watch at 1:46:50Read what they said
Thank you. So is this only limiting that someone could come back later after the divorce and claim this alienation of affection and sue the other party? Or is this involved in the divorce litigation with the spouse?
S.B. 109 Alienation of Affection Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 23, 2026
Asks whether the judge in a divorce is aware of an affair.
▶ Watch at 1:47:51Read what they said
And I also, sorry, one more question. The judge, at the time of the divorce settlement or whatever, is he fully aware of the circumstances or would he no longer be aware that there was a circumstance where there was an affair, for example? Does that come out in the divorce proceedings?
H.B. 446 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Explains that the substitute requires disclosure of unresolved tax liens of at least $500 that remain unresolved after at least two years.
▶ Watch at 12:25Read what they said
Yes. The original bill said that, um, it would, you would disclose any unresolved tax lien, but this extends that. I mean, it makes it so that the tax lien must, um, be of at least $500 and it must, um, it must be disclosed if it's unresolved after at least two years.
H.B. 446 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Acton says the substitute extends the unresolved tax lien disclosure to liens of at least $500 that remain unresolved for at least two years.
▶ Watch at 12:25Read what they said
Yes. The original bill said that, um, it would, you would disclose any unresolved tax lien, but this extends that. I mean, it makes it so that the tax lien must, um, be of at least $500 and it must, um, it must be disclosed if it's unresolved after at least two years.
H.B. 446 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Acton has no further remarks on the substitute and moves its adoption.
▶ Watch at 12:58Read what they said
Um, that was all for the sub Summation on the sub. Okay, thank you. I'll place a motion to adopt first substitute house bill 4 46.
H.B. 446 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Moves to adopt the first substitute for H.B. 446.
▶ Watch at 13:02Read what they said
Okay, thank you. I'll place a motion to adopt first substitute house bill 4 46.
H.B. 446 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Presents the bill, which adds unresolved tax liens over $500 that are at least two years old and certain criminal convictions to annual candidate and appointee disclosures, without disqualifying anyone, to help voters and promote public confidence.
▶ Watch at 13:14Read what they said
Okay. Um, well, currently, as we all know, we file a conflict of interest disclosure annually and that will continue of course. Um, and at, um, let's see. So this is for candidates for office incumbents and office and appointees as well, and that's as it has always been, but, or at least as long as I know. But this bill adds two items to the disclosure. Any unresolved tax liens, as I said, that are more than $500 and are at least two years old. Um, and then any criminal convictions, unless that conviction has been expunged or it happened as a juvenile or it was traffic related or a very minor class, um, class C misdemeanor. So, um, …
H.B. 446 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Acton explains that the bill adds required disclosure of unresolved tax liens over $500 at least two years old and certain criminal convictions, without making them disqualifying, and gives reasons for the bill including voter information and public confidence.
▶ Watch at 13:14Read what they said
Okay. Um, well, currently, as we all know, we file a conflict of interest disclosure annually and that will continue of course. Um, and at, um, let's see. So this is for candidates for office incumbents and office and appointees as well, and that's as it has always been, but, or at least as long as I know. But this bill adds two items to the disclosure. Any unresolved tax liens, as I said, that are more than $500 and are at least two years old. Um, and then any criminal convictions, unless that conviction has been expunged or it happened as a juvenile or it was traffic related or a very minor class, um, class C misdemeanor. So, um, …
H.B. 446 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Says the case could be made that they are conflicts but she would prefer calling the form a disclosure, though it is currently called a conflict of interest disclosure.
▶ Watch at 16:10Read what they said
Mr. Speaker? I would say that the case could be made that they could be a conflict of interest. However, I would actually prefer to call the form disclosure rather than conflict of interest disclosure, candidate disclosure or public office disclosure or something else. But it is called a conflict of interest disclosure.
H.B. 446 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Acton says the items could be seen as a conflict of interest but prefers calling the form a disclosure, noting it is named conflict of interest disclosure.
▶ Watch at 16:10Read what they said
Mr. Speaker? I would say that the case could be made that they could be a conflict of interest. However, I would actually prefer to call the form disclosure rather than conflict of interest disclosure, candidate disclosure or public office disclosure or something else. But it is called a conflict of interest disclosure.
H.B. 446 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Agrees that the items are public records but says access is difficult and costly, and that the bill asks only for self-disclosure of unresolved or unexpunged matters.
▶ Watch at 16:46Read what they said
Um, Mr. Speaker? Yes. Well, no. Okay. You're correct. They are matters of public record. However, there are firewalls basically to accessing that information. We're currently working in some other bills on resolving some of these transparency issues with the courts, but it's very difficult and fees are usually involved to ascertain anyone's criminal history. Um, anyone's, um, tax history. I mean, we don't need details on those things. This is just self-disclosure for anything that's unresolved and so forth or un expunged. But, um, no, you're correct. These are public records and that's one reason that disclosure should not be, um, too off-putting for anyone. Most people would already have resolved these issues before seeking public office or appointment, …
H.B. 446 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Acton confirms the information is public record but notes that access is difficult and involves fees, and says the disclosure is self-reported and not meant to be detailed.
▶ Watch at 16:46Read what they said
Um, Mr. Speaker? Yes. Well, no. Okay. You're correct. They are matters of public record. However, there are firewalls basically to accessing that information. We're currently working in some other bills on resolving some of these transparency issues with the courts, but it's very difficult and fees are usually involved to ascertain anyone's criminal history. Um, anyone's, um, tax history. I mean, we don't need details on those things. This is just self-disclosure for anything that's unresolved and so forth or un expunged. But, um, no, you're correct. These are public records and that's one reason that disclosure should not be, um, too off-putting for anyone. Most people would already have resolved these issues before seeking public office or appointment, …
H.B. 446 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Says a tax lien does not reflect a character flaw, shares that she once had a small tax lien, and notes the bill gives people two years to resolve liens and space to explain.
▶ Watch at 18:08Read what they said
Mr. Speaker, as I divulge today in a chamber meeting, um, I myself had a tax lien for quite a long time as we were working through the bureaucracy and we thought we had resolved it, it was like for $28. So no, I would say that it does not, um, reflect any sort of character flaw. Um, this would just be informational for the voter, but this specifies that the tax lien must exceed $500 and it must be unresolved after a period of at least two years. So it does give the person at least two years to resolve the tax lien. And then even additionally, it gives them space to explain like, this is still being worked …
H.B. 446 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Acton says she once had a tax lien herself, that it does not reflect character, and that the bill allows two years to resolve a lien and space to explain it.
▶ Watch at 18:08Read what they said
Mr. Speaker, as I divulge today in a chamber meeting, um, I myself had a tax lien for quite a long time as we were working through the bureaucracy and we thought we had resolved it, it was like for $28. So no, I would say that it does not, um, reflect any sort of character flaw. Um, this would just be informational for the voter, but this specifies that the tax lien must exceed $500 and it must be unresolved after a period of at least two years. So it does give the person at least two years to resolve the tax lien. And then even additionally, it gives them space to explain like, this is still being worked …
H.B. 446 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
In summation, says the information is already public but hard to access, and asks for support because the bill supports transparency and public trust.
▶ Watch at 20:44Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker ProAm. Well, as, um, one of my colleagues already stated, this information is already available publicly, however, it is hard to access. It does have a cost and it's also very difficult to find. So, um, that's why we ask, we would ask them to, to disclose. Um, and, and the other commenter was also correct that there's a, it's a time right now where there's a lot of distrust in public officials. Um, and I think it would be, it would be beneficial if we could say there is some sort of, you know, disclosure requirement. This bill supports transparency and the public interest and the integrity of serving in public office, and I would …
H.B. 446 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
In summation, Acton says the information is public but hard to access, that the bill supports transparency and the public interest, and asks for support.
▶ Watch at 20:44Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker ProAm. Well, as, um, one of my colleagues already stated, this information is already available publicly, however, it is hard to access. It does have a cost and it's also very difficult to find. So, um, that's why we ask, we would ask them to, to disclose. Um, and, and the other commenter was also correct that there's a, it's a time right now where there's a lot of distrust in public officials. Um, and I think it would be, it would be beneficial if we could say there is some sort of, you know, disclosure requirement. This bill supports transparency and the public interest and the integrity of serving in public office, and I would …
H.B. 88 Public Assistance Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Asks why the word immediately was added to lines 27 and 217.
▶ Watch at 2:05:52Read what they said
On lines 27 and two 17, I think the word immediately. Why, why is it important that they be denied immediately? What why does, why is that word added?
H.B. 88 Public Assistance Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Acton asks why the word immediately was added to the denial provision.
▶ Watch at 2:05:52Read what they said
On lines 27 and two 17, I think the word immediately. Why, why is it important that they be denied immediately? What why does, why is that word added?
H.B. 88 Public Assistance Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Says the bill conflicts with fundamental moral principles about providing food, supports immigration enforcement, and opposes this bill.
▶ Watch at 2:06:51Read what they said
Um, okay. I, Mr. Speaker, for me, this bill is more than a bill. It's, it's really for me personally, a moral test. Um, and I believe the word immediately, immediately deny people services is so that no one has an opportunity to think about it. It should be their, their kneejerk reaction should be deny, deny. Do not think about this. Uh, for me, I'm very comfortable with federal immigration. The immigration is a federal issue. Meanwhile, I don't think that we can hide behind some sort of bureaucratic shield and deny people food. Um, I was hoping that the sub would would say, we're not going to tell people they can't have food or access to food. And …
H.B. 88 Public Assistance Amendments · House floor debate (day 34) · Feb 23, 2026
Acton says the bill is a moral test, opposes denying adults food and services, supports children's exclusion, and says she cannot support the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:06:51Read what they said
Um, okay. I, Mr. Speaker, for me, this bill is more than a bill. It's, it's really for me personally, a moral test. Um, and I believe the word immediately, immediately deny people services is so that no one has an opportunity to think about it. It should be their, their kneejerk reaction should be deny, deny. Do not think about this. Uh, for me, I'm very comfortable with federal immigration. The immigration is a federal issue. Meanwhile, I don't think that we can hide behind some sort of bureaucratic shield and deny people food. Um, I was hoping that the sub would would say, we're not going to tell people they can't have food or access to food. And …
H.B. 569 SNAP Funds Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Asks whether the federal definition could change and whether a sunset should be added, and the sponsor responds that the definition is expected to be settled.
▶ Watch at 1:21:27Read what they said
Thank you. Um, so boy, I'm learning so much in these meetings, but, um, the federal definition, they're currently working on it, right? Mm-hmm. And it, it seems to change and it could change again with a different administration. Is that right? It could. I was discussing that with some people out here earlier. I am wondering if maybe there should be a Sunset added so that we're not just open to whatever definition comes up for the rest of time. But That's what, that's what I'm concerned about that because, um, yeah, what if it's unacceptable later to Utah? Well, we could always just rescind, but I think that the, probably the easiest thing and the most effective thing …
H.B. 569 SNAP Funds Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 20, 2026
Says she will not vote for the bill, found Henson's testimony compelling, supports a definition, and worries about moving too quickly.
▶ Watch at 1:46:16Read what they said
Thank you. I also want to explain, um, I am also going, not going to vote for it, but I found most compelling of all the arguments, the last caller, Jennifer Henson's comments. Um, and then it, it brought me back to the realization we're talking about SNAP benefits and many people on SNAP benefits are in the situations that she described. The, um, and, and while it may have adverse effects on their health, um, it may be sometimes the only option for people who don't have help in the home or a parent in the home to prepare meals all the time. So I found that very compelling, but I also wonder, I I would like to have …
H.B. 208 Parentage Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Asks whether a child up to age 26 can go back and collect support.
▶ Watch at 1:07:42Read what they said
Thank you. I'm wondering about this, the age 26, the child can be up to age 26. Mm-hmm. Now, is that, can they go back and collect some sort of text?
H.B. 208 Parentage Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Says she did not realize a child could demand a paternity test and notes the possible legal consequences such as inheritance claims.
▶ Watch at 1:08:18Read what they said
Just didn't realize the child had the right to demand such a thing as a paternity test. There's, there's things out there. They may come along and say, you are my dad. I do want inheritance. I do want all of these things. Doesn't mean they get it. Right. There's, there's a lot of legal, uh, ramifications here. So, but Okay. Thank you.
H.B. 331 Criminal Offenses Modifications · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 19, 2026
Supports the bill, citing the First Amendment and public safety interests.
▶ Watch at 1:48:25Read what they said
Thank you, Madam Chair. Yeah, and I like this bill a lot, and I like that. Um, so I looked up the First Amendment because I know that's the one that deals with protest, and it says the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for redress. And that is, um, the model that, that, you know, the right to protest stems from. And we do, we do have that right, and we do cherish that, right? But we also cherish a lot of other rights, religious rights and, and so forth and, and public safety. And so I really like this bill, and I think it addresses a lot of problems that have emerged …
H.B. 531 Scarification Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Asked to confirm that the procedure is not allowed for anyone under 18.
▶ Watch at 58:10Read what they said
Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, so to be clear, you can't do this under age 18, is that right?
H.B. 531 Scarification Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Asked whether the health department has seen infections from these procedures and noted the department was online to speak to the question.
▶ Watch at 58:26Read what they said
Okay. So 18 is the Correct. Okay. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Um, I have a, just a quick question. Has the, was, has the health department seen any kind of infections or anything coming from these, or were kind of preemptively trying to get Ahead at the game? I know that they're online waiting to speak about this, so they would be able to answer that better than I, than I, when, when we opened up the discussion over the summer, I, it's my understanding that they hadn't yet. But I mean, as you can see, if they're scooping out globs of skin, we can imagine that there are instances where it's happened or, or is bound to happen …
H.B. 559 Pregnancy and Infant Loss Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Supports the bill, says the training should not take much time, praises the trauma-informed approach, and references past bereavement leave legislation.
▶ Watch at 1:17:30Read what they said
Thank you. Um, I too, I like this. And I think, I think it has a, a part, I mean, a role to play. And I don't think that it should take very much time in, in a training scenario to cover. 'cause a lot of people may not be aware of having not gone through it themselves or just in the rush and the bustle of a medical practice or an a hospital. Um, so I really, I like, and I loved what you said about it's trauma informed care, and we're trying to be more trauma informed in all of our bills and so forth. So I, I think that is, that's, that's a great term for it. …
S.B. 55 Placental Tissue Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Asked whether the bill covers both donating placental tissue and receiving tissue.
▶ Watch at 1:33:44Read what they said
So this is, we're talking 55, right? Or did you start with eight? Yeah, I, I presented on SB 55. Yes. Okay. Um, I was wondering, um, I was wondering if it is the placental tissue, is it if you're donating tissue and if you are receiving something that has human tissue, is that, is it both ways?
S.B. 55 Placental Tissue Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Asked whether patients who donate placentas in a hospital setting know they are donating it.
▶ Watch at 1:34:43Read what they said
Oh, so where it comes from? Yeah. Okay. Do you know if, and that they are using placental tissue for, you know, stem cell treatment. Okay. But do you know on the other side of that, when someone donates, say their, um, placenta in a hospital setting, do they know that they're donating it? Or is it, do you know how that works on that side?
S.B. 55 Placental Tissue Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Said she wondered whether the bill addresses both ends of tissue use and thanked the sponsor.
▶ Watch at 1:35:15Read what they said
Yeah, I, I, that's okay. I just wondered if this bill dealt with both ends of that, but, okay. Thank you. Yeah, Thank you.
S.B. 83 Controlled Substance Scheduling Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 18, 2026
Asked whether a federal change to marijuana's classification would require Utah to treat it like tobacco, and whether the state could remain stricter.
▶ Watch at 1:40:22Read what they said
Okay. That last sentence might have answered my question. 'cause my concern about Yeah, if the federal government lowers the standard or what for marijuana, are we forced to just treat it like any normal, like tobacco or something here or, so we can be more strict, but it would still be classified as that Schedule C or schedule three?
H.B. 190 Child Care Business Tax Credit · House floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Asked what currently prevents businesses from offering onsite childcare to employees.
▶ Watch at 1:26:59Read what they said
Thank you. Um, I just wondered what prevents a business from doing this right now where they could offer onsite free childcare for their employees?
H.B. 190 Child Care Business Tax Credit · House floor debate (day 29) · Feb 18, 2026
Praised the sponsor's approach but said government involvement in childcare tends to increase costs.
▶ Watch at 1:27:16Read what they said
Okay. And, okay. I just, I do, I do want to applaud the sponsor for taking, um, you know, I think some, a good approach, a good, interesting, innovative look at this, but I, I've just observed over the years that when government gets involved with just about anything, um, that thing becomes much more expensive. And that's what I fear. As we get in more and more involved into the childcare space, it's probably going to have the opposite effect. Um, so, um, that's my statement on that. Thank you.
H.B. 333 Adoption Records Access Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Asked clarifying questions about whether the birth certificate lists parents' names, whether those names and addresses are redacted, and how the parent sealing process works.
▶ Watch at 58:49Read what they said
Thank you, Madam Chair. So the birth certificate that, that you said they can only, it only gives the baby information. So is this a birth certificate that does not state the parents' names? No, It does state the parents names. Oh, it does. Which is again, typically considered a medical record to to know who your parents actually were. But for example, in an adoption process, there are other documents, like there could easily and probably would be an evaluation done of the parents and their life situation and things that might have been difficult for them. But that is a document that pertains to the parent, not to the child. So those kinds of documents would not be …
S.B. 185 Child Welfare Parental Representation Program Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Asks whether the social worker component added to the parental representation program is part of this bill.
▶ Watch at 1:04:48Read what they said
Thank you Madam Chair. Um, you know, they, I feel like it was recently they added the social worker component to parental representation program and I think it's been a great innovation. So I wondered if that is a part of this.
S.B. 185 Child Welfare Parental Representation Program Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Moves to pass S.B. 185 out favorably to the House.
▶ Watch at 1:05:36Read what they said
Thank you. I I'd like to make a motion that we pass out favorably SB 180 5, child Welfare Parental Representation Program amendments to the house.
S.B. 185 Child Welfare Parental Representation Program Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Speaks in support of the bill, saying the parental representation program is important and the changes refine it.
▶ Watch at 1:05:54Read what they said
I just think that, um, you know, I remember learning when I first came in that the two things that are so, um, monumental in a person's life or can be, are being, you know, loss of their own liberty through incarceration and then loss of parental rights, or, you know, rights to your own children. And so those two things have to be weighed so carefully, and that's why we have this great representation program. And, um, I just think it's so important and I'm glad that they continue to refine it and make it better. And that's why I, I urge everyone to support this.
H.B. 480 Medical Record Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Speaks in favor of the bill, saying the word abortion is charged and that a woman should be allowed to note on her medical record what matters to her.
▶ Watch at 1:17:25Read what they said
Thank you. I had actually written down words matter also, but there is no more politically charged or emotionally charged word, probably, um, than the word abortion right now. And, and, um, and I like that idea of the precision of speech. But you know, our records, I'm also someone who keeps a lot of records myself. Um, and I know that our records will outlive us and we won't be there to explain. And so I can see why this would be very troubling. I know several years ago when I was working on a bill about abortion, um, someone opposed to my bill, um, made a donation to an abortion provider in my name. And my only concern …
S.B. 127 Pediatric Care Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Moves that the committee favorably recommend S.B. 127, Pediatric Care Amendments.
▶ Watch at 1:50:51Read what they said
Thank you. Okay. Um, I would like to make a motion that we favorably recommend SB 1 27 Pediatric Care Amendments. All
S.B. 127 Pediatric Care Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 17, 2026
Speaks in favor of the bill, saying it sounds like an excellent idea and that the public testimony was persuasive.
▶ Watch at 1:51:04Read what they said
Um, it just sounds like an excellent idea, and I think, um, I was already very persuaded, but then hearing from that mother who called in and I just, um, it sounds like it is needed and it would be. Um, and she, anyway, it sounds like a very good bill.
H.B. 123 Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registration Amendments · House floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Acton said H.B. 123 clarifies that sex offenders moving to Utah from other states through the Interstate Compact must register on Utah's sex offender registry, which she described as a public safety measure with no fiscal note and support from several groups, including the defense attorneys.
▶ Watch at 17:14Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This bill concerns, yes, the registry that we're all familiar with and those individuals who transferred to Utah through the Interstate Compact Commission from other jurisdictions. And when they arrive, um, some have, the problem is that some officials have misinterpreted our current statute and believe or, or do not believe that they are required then to go onto our sex registry while they're here. And this has contributed to a kind of growing reputation as, um, for Utah to be kind of a sex offender friendly kind of state. And I don't, I know that's not our intention. That's never been the intention. And, and I think that is a misinterpretation. Nonetheless, this bill clarifies …
H.B. 123 Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registration Amendments · House floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Acton urged support for the bill and said she hopes Utah does not become a sanctuary state for sex offenders.
▶ Watch at 18:47Read what they said
I just, uh, hope that we can make sure that Utah is not a sort of sec, a sanctuary state for sex offenders in the future. And I would appreciate your support. Thank you.
H.B. 134 Offender Transfer Amendments · House floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Rep. Acton said HB 134 concerns offender transfers under the Interstate Compact, raises the fee for probationers or parolees transferring out of state from $50 to $90, clarifies when transfers may be applied for, sets arrest warrant requirements for out-of-state parole violations, and coordinates warrants with BCI and the National Crime Information Center.
▶ Watch at 46:52Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, this bill, HB 1 34 is it Concerns offender transfer with the Interstate Compact Commission. This bill was needed to meet the needs of the Interstate Compact Commission. The only major change in the bill is that there is an increase in the fee that, um, a person in Utah who's on probation or parole must pay to transfer to another state. And the reason for that is now my ears perked up. I don't like fees, and I always try to avoid fees, but this fee has been in place for over 20 years, and just with its inflationary pressure and so forth, it's gone up from 50 to $90. And of course, it's …
H.B. 247 Great Salt Lake Related Amendments · House floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Supports the bill, saying brine shrimp provide nutrients for migratory birds that depend on the Great Salt Lake.
▶ Watch at 1:07:04Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Um, I rise in support of this bill. Um, the Brian Shrimp or, you know, you think of them as shrimp, you know, get too excited, but they provide essential nutrients to the millions of migratory birds who use our lake. And I, I learned in doing some other research that our lake is of hemispheric importance to birds in North and South America. I mean, and all over North America. Um, and so I think it's very important that we keep our brine shrimp healthy and, uh, thriving. And so for that reason, I support this bill. Thanks.
H.B. 247 Great Salt Lake Related Amendments · House floor debate (day 28) · Feb 17, 2026
Supports the bill, citing the role of brine shrimp in feeding migratory birds and the lake's importance to birds in the hemisphere.
▶ Watch at 1:07:04Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Um, I rise in support of this bill. Um, the Brian Shrimp or, you know, you think of them as shrimp, you know, get too excited, but they provide essential nutrients to the millions of migratory birds who use our lake. And I, I learned in doing some other research that our lake is of hemispheric importance to birds in North and South America. I mean, and all over North America. Um, and so I think it's very important that we keep our brine shrimp healthy and, uh, thriving. And so for that reason, I support this bill. Thanks.
H.B. 446 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Explained that the bill would add unresolved tax liens and certain criminal convictions to conflict of interest disclosures so voters know more about candidates.
▶ Watch at 48:12Read what they said
Okay, great. Thank you. Um, yeah, we're still talking about this, but this is HB 4 46 and it's about our conflict of interest. Of course. Um, currently in Utah, of course, we all file every year we have to file our disclosures. Um, and that will of course continue. But this would add two items to disclose. One would be tax liens that are unresolved. Um, and, and I am anyway, so we're, that's one thing we were just talking about. This could be from federal or state, um, and from any state. And then convictions for criminal convictions from any state, again, or of course, federal. Um, not to include traffic violations, juvenile convictions when one was a …
H.B. 446 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Said she would be open to an amendment limiting the tax lien provision to liens unresolved for a set period, such as 12 months.
▶ Watch at 51:13Read what they said
I think that's a really good point. Um, and so I would be amenable to an amendment that would say something like a lingering unresolved, you know, that has en endured for a period of maybe even five years or something that is still Unresolved. Uh, just much shorter, but Even Shorter, maybe 12 months or something, I think would be plenty of time to resolve those kind of issues. But I'm just, uh, I, I'm open to discussing that when it comes time for motion action,
H.B. 446 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Said elected and appointed officials who file annually would disclose the new items each time the form is completed.
▶ Watch at 52:40Read what they said
We file annually and there are others that are not elected, but appointed officials that are also required to, uh, disclose on a, on a regular basis. So Yes, anytime that that form is filled out, they would need to disclose.
H.B. 446 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Said she had not heard of that situation and suggested making clear that officials must disclose liens they have been notified of.
▶ Watch at 53:37Read what they said
Boy, that, that is, I had not heard of that situation. That's a really good question. If you're unaware. Um, that's a really good question. These tax liens are becoming a problem, aren't they? But, um, I mean, I just feel like we need to know, especially since we are the appropriators, you know, at least in the legislative office, um, and actually city councils and so forth, um, we need to know if they are responsible, you know, paying their own taxes, I suppose is where the, the origin of the idea was. But, um, I, I think we could maybe in the same sub or whatever make it so that, you know, if you're aware of, if you've …
H.B. 446 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Said existing code includes penalties for failure to disclose and that the bill may cover them.
▶ Watch at 54:39Read what they said
There is, um, built in, did my attorney leave? Okay. Um, there is built into the, um, to the code already penalties for failure to disclose. Okay. So I'm not sure what those are, but I think, I think it may even be covered within the, the bill here in, in these pages.
H.B. 446 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Said she would support the proposed amendment.
▶ Watch at 59:56Read what they said
I would, I would support that change. I think it's a good change. Thank you. Alright,
H.B. 446 Conflict of Interest Disclosure Amendments · House Government Operations Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Thanked the committee and told the online speaker that the form will include space to explain disclosed items such as convictions, saying the purpose is disclosure for voters.
▶ Watch at 1:01:13Read what they said
Um, I would appreciate, I appreciate that motion. And I wanted to make a response to the online caller that, um, there will be space also on the form, um, for explanation for anything that is, um, that they do disclose, for example, a conviction or something of that nature. They can explain online. And sometimes, you know, people have been elected, of course, um, despite some, um, convictions and so forth. And so it's, um, and, and I don't see it at all as an opportunity to dig up dirt, but rather to disclose and, and, um, I just, I think that's good for public, um, public information for voters to know. But I do appreciate this motion and …
H.B. 370 Sex Offender Oversight Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Asked whether the monitoring would use ankle monitors.
▶ Watch at 1:11:04Read what they said
Thank you. Um, I'm wondering is, are we talking about like an ankle monitor? I don't know what modern monitors are they always ankle monitors? And
H.B. 370 Sex Offender Oversight Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Asked whether the monitors are bulky and whether the individual pays the cost.
▶ Watch at 1:11:16Read what they said
Okay. And are they bulky these days or are they really difficult? I mean, it doesn't matter. I guess I still, I still love the idea, but I just, I'm just wondering, I haven't seen one in so long, but, um, and is there a cost involved? I know sometimes we charge that to the individual who's monitoring.
H.B. 370 Sex Offender Oversight Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Suggested wearing a monitor might encourage those avoiding reporting to provide their address.
▶ Watch at 1:11:48Read what they said
Okay. And the, the question I have there is, I mean, for those who may be just avoiding reporting where they live, I don't know. I mean, I guess they would still have to undergo the, um, having one on, which would be maybe a deterrent to, it may encourage them to just report where they live, so. Okay. Thank you.
H.B. 540 Judicial Transparency and Information Access Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 13, 2026
Asked whether other states have similar audio and records access and how the proposed financial disclosure compares to legislative disclosure; said the audio would help the public understand how decisions were reached.
▶ Watch at 1:46:45Read what they said
Thank you. I really like this, um, very creative approach I hadn't considered. Um, do you know if any other states currently have that audio and access to records that you're describing? Um, I, I mean, we, I don't know exactly states. I, I know it's been done and I, I don't know like the number of states that have, have been using this. Um, really the idea we at, within the legislature, we get praise often on, on our website as far as like the accessibility and things. And we think we do really good at that and, and can transfer this over and, and there's been some conversations within the court that we could work with them directly …
H.C.R. 8 Concurrent Resolution Directing PEHP to Establish the Weight Management and Obesity Pilot Program · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Says a one-time choice may be hard for patients who cannot tolerate a medication, and suggests a one-year commitment or other flexible approach.
▶ Watch at 1:53:00Read what they said
Thank you. Um, I had similar concern about that, um, because we're, we're asking is the patient to predict which course of treatment is going to be most effective? And the patient has probably already tried multiple avenues to lose weight and, you know, over many years in many cases, and sometimes a medication turns out to be, um, not something that they can actually use with their digestive tract or whatever, you know, may have complications and so forth. And then they're just, then they just won't have any help at all from p their insurance plan, right? If so, um, that's why I wondered about if, if we could instead make it, instead of one time, a one …
H.C.R. 8 Concurrent Resolution Directing PEHP to Establish the Weight Management and Obesity Pilot Program · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Moves to amend the bill by changing one word to specify a one-year commitment to a choice.
▶ Watch at 2:03:37Read what they said
Thank you. Um, Mr. Chair, I would, I would like to make, well, I like the program. I'm so glad we have the program. I think it does great things, and I agree with everything you just said, but I would like to make a motion to amend, um, one line of it. Okay. I have a, a, a motion. What, What's the line? I would amend to strike the word time on line 47 and put in there instead the word year. So a one year, and then add commitment to a choice. And choice is already in there. So that's where we rejoin the language. So a, a one year commitment to a choice between bariatric surgery and, …
H.C.R. 8 Concurrent Resolution Directing PEHP to Establish the Weight Management and Obesity Pilot Program · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Explains that the intent is for a patient to try GLP-1 treatment for a year before surgery is no longer available.
▶ Watch at 2:05:34Read what they said
Does that mean they have a year to decide, or that that means they, I See, uh, well, I was thinking a one year path, they're gonna choose one year. They're going to, they're gonna say, I'm gonna try the GLP one route, but if it doesn't work for them and they later choose instead to go surgery, which is of course irreversible.
H.C.R. 8 Concurrent Resolution Directing PEHP to Establish the Weight Management and Obesity Pilot Program · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Confirms the intent and says the current resolution requires choosing one option or the other.
▶ Watch at 2:06:13Read what they said
Yes. That's another way to it. Yeah. I, I think the intent would be that you can take a GLP one before you would have surgery. Surgery we have done kind of as a kind of a one time deal, but the g this, this essentially says you can take the GLP one for a year, and if that doesn't work, then the surgery would be open. Right now, the, the way that the, the resolution is, is worded. You really have to choose one or the other. So this would allow kind of the, the ability to, to choose one and then choose the other. That's why I would look at it.
H.C.R. 8 Concurrent Resolution Directing PEHP to Establish the Weight Management and Obesity Pilot Program · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Says a one-year period would cover patients who cannot take the medications.
▶ Watch at 2:07:28Read what they said
So I mean, I tell the one year, I just thought at least that would cover anyone who's not able to take those medications after all. And then they would,
H.C.R. 8 Concurrent Resolution Directing PEHP to Establish the Weight Management and Obesity Pilot Program · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Likes the substitute idea and is concerned about a patient who starts GLP-1 treatment and cannot continue it.
▶ Watch at 2:09:41Read what they said
I kind of like that idea because, um, it's possible. I think what we want to say, maybe, I don't know what I'm, the gist I'm getting is that if someone does choose surgery, they cannot then choose to still use GLP ones. I mean, maybe it isn't either or, and I understand that. I'm just more concerned about the person that, that chooses the GLP one and then can't.
S.B. 50 Anesthesia Dosage Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 12, 2026
Asked whether anesthesia dosages could be kept on hand rather than thrown away.
▶ Watch at 2:15:45Read what they said
This is, um, so you're saying they could keep the, the dosages on hand not to be thrown away?
H.B. 372 Child Welfare Changes · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 11, 2026
Moved to adopt the second substitute to HB 372.
▶ Watch at 2:46:52Read what they said
I'd like to make a motion that we, um, adopt the second substitute to HB 3 72.
H.B. 372 Child Welfare Changes · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 11, 2026
Explained that the substitute adds language from her bill HB 434 on limiting redactions in the lethality review, and said combining the bills would limit the number of bills.
▶ Watch at 2:47:02Read what they said
This, this just added to this bill that, um, the language from my bill, which was HB 4 34, which was very simply, it just removes the, um, it, it informs the, how do you say this, um, the office that creates the lethality review that they, it tells them that they should not redact as much as they were redacting. It made it very difficult to read the narrative. And, and I think we had all worked it out with DHHS and so forth. But anyway, it was just a small part of the child welfare equation. And so it fit well into this bill. And because we do want to limit the number of bills and so forth, …
H.B. 372 Child Welfare Changes · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 11, 2026
Moved to pass HB 372 second substitute out favorably to the House.
▶ Watch at 2:48:30Read what they said
I'd like to make a motion that we pass out favorably HB 3 72 second sub to the body of the house.
H.B. 372 Child Welfare Changes · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 11, 2026
Said the testimony showed a need for more balance in the courtroom, including for parents' voices, and that she supports the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:48:42Read what they said
I just, um, I think we heard a lot of really interesting, you know, comments and some really good points. Um, and I think it's just, it sounds like that we need more balance, um, in the courtroom. Uh, more not a solitary voice for children, but more of a balance with parents' voices as well. So I think it's a needed bill. Thank you so much Representative Acton discussion to the motion to favorably recommend second substitute HB 3 72.
H.B. 277 Traditional Healing Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Asks whether traditional healers are allowed to prescribe medication.
▶ Watch at 1:15:17Read what they said
Thank you. I just wondered, on lines 1 23 to 1 24, it talks about medication. Are these traditional healing? Are they allowed to prescribe? Is that okay? So I, I just wondered about that aspect. Right? They, they can't prescribe, right?
H.B. 277 Traditional Healing Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 9, 2026
Asks whether a previous proposal to allow traditional healers in Medicaid is still in effect.
▶ Watch at 1:15:42Read what they said
Okay. And, um, now I do recall, I think, and you never know if it really made it all the way through, but a few years ago we had a bill that would allow traditional healers to be part of Medicaid.
H.B. 274 Sentencing Amendments · House floor debate (day 18) · Feb 6, 2026
Supports the bill and the amendment, saying the Legislature should focus more on victims and that clear consequences for victimization matter.
▶ Watch at 32:15Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to rise in support of this bill, and I think the amendment only improves upon it. And, and I'm grateful for that amendment. But also I think, um, I'm very proud of the work our legislature has done. Um, I came in shortly after JRI became a thing, and, and I've witnessed, as we've been chipping away at some of the overreach, maybe of the, the G-A-R-I-J-R-I and the effects it's had on society and, um, some good perhaps, but many, um, not so good. And I like how, um, we have turned now kind of more of a focus on the victims. And I'm also convinced after years of sitting on these …
H.B. 123 Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registration Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Acton responded to the chair about whether the substitute with the amendment was available to the committee. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 1:02:57Read what they said
Uh, Before me, but yes. Is it online? It's Okay, but I did see it right before. Okay.
H.B. 123 Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registration Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Acton presented HB 123, saying it clarifies that offenders moving into Utah must register even if their previous state did not require registration, and that the amendment makes the bill clearer.
▶ Watch at 1:03:09Read what they said
Okay. Um, this, I serve on the, um, interstate compact commission where we talk about inmates transferring across states and so forth. And that's how this bill came to me. But, um, all states do have different rules when it comes to sex registry. And it's not just sex, it's sex kidnap and child abuse registry. And so, um, it can be difficult sometimes when they move to a different state or when our inmates move to a different state. Um, some move, sometimes they may choose to avoid registry requirements or they may be moving because of work or family situations or whatever. So, but a failure to register can lead to new federal charges. So it's a very …
H.B. 123 Sex, Kidnap, and Child Abuse Offender Registration Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Acton said she may have missed Espinoza's email, that the nine-of-ten ranking was her own research, and that the bill clarifies the law so Utah is not seen as a haven for sex offenders.
▶ Watch at 1:11:57Read what they said
I, um, I will just say that I, first, I, it's entirely possible that I did Miss Felix's email. I'm not sure when it came. I apologize for that. But, um, and as far as being number nine out of 10 on the list, that was my own kind of research. And as I said, I, I don't know the, the veracity of that claim, but I do know that we do not want Utah to become known as a sanctuary state for sex offenders. And there's some evidence that that may be happening. And so I think it's important for us to clarify the law.
H.B. 134 Offender Transfer Amendments · House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee · Feb 5, 2026
Presented HB 134, which raises the transfer fee from $50 to $90, clarifies that offenders must be supervised by the department before applying to transfer, sets requirements for arrest warrants issued by the Board of Pardons and Parole, and requires warrants to be submitted to the National Crime Information Center.
▶ Watch at 1:34:06Read what they said
You, committee. I apologize for missing my spot. I was presenting in the senate building, so, um, but, and this being law enforcement, I used to be on this committee and it was very fun. I liked this one a lot. Um, the, you guys know a lot, a lot of this already, but I, um, this concerns the interstate compact Commission and their needs for some changes. Um, very minor changes for the most part it does, as you know, they regulate the movement of probationers and parolees across state lines, and we want to, of course provide continuity in their supervision and so forth. And that's what they do. But, um, so let me tell you a little …
H.B. 192 Vehicle Inspection Fee Amendments · House floor debate (day 17) · Feb 5, 2026
Asks whether prices will vary by provider and whether the bill is expected to raise costs for consumers.
▶ Watch at 31:26Read what they said
So it sounds like they would, you know, every place might be a different amount. Um, so you might need to shop from place to place to figure out where to get a good deal. But is it anticipated that this will cost more for the consumer?
H.B. 70 Correctional Health Services Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Acton asked whether a provision allowing the parole board to require assisted outpatient treatment as a parole condition was kept in the substitute.
▶ Watch at 51:06Read what they said
Thank you. I just wondered, I was looking at the, so you're going, you're proposing the, the first sub? Yes. Is that right? Yes. Yes. Um, because I liked something in the original one, and I wondered if it carried over or not. The, the last, um, highlighted provision on board of Pardons and Parole where it said that they may be parole, or, or that they may, it allows the board to require assisted outpatient treatment as a condition of parole. Um, is that being scrapped in the sub?
H.B. 70 Correctional Health Services Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Acton said she was glad Eliason supported the policy and suggested it could be taken up in a future bill.
▶ Watch at 52:35Read what they said
Okay. But I'm glad you liked it. Maybe In a future bill or something. Yes. Okay. Yes. Thank you.
H.B. 417 Patient Interfacility Transportation Requirements · House Health and Human Services Committee · Feb 4, 2026
Asks whether the patient may transport themselves by any means, such as a family member or rideshare.
▶ Watch at 1:07:52Read what they said
Thank you. I just wondered, you said they can transport themselves, but it could be by any means. Mm-hmm. Like, could they, a family member, an Uber, whatever works for them.
S.B. 25 Retirement Modifications · House floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Presents the bill as an annual Utah Retirement Systems modification with no substantive or fiscal impact, making five changes: clarifying a definition, expanding the membership council, coordinating service credit between tier one and tier two, letting the executive director delegate some rulings to a deputy director, and clarifying how benefits can be relinquished.
▶ Watch at 22:10Read what they said
Thank you. Yes. Each year, Utah Retirement Systems kind of collects things that, that come up throughout the year that they need to, they'd like to modify or tweak to improve our system. And so this year's bill is a modification, but it's, it has no real huge substance, nothing substantive about it or it, and no fiscal impact, but it will continue to refine and improve our system. It does five things. It clarifies one definition. Um, it also officially expands the membership council, which is not the same thing as the board. So these are not voting members, but just interested parties who would like to be involved and understand what's going on with URS. And then it …
S.B. 25 Retirement Modifications · House floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Explains the bill authorizes senior staff in the Attorney General's office to elect an exemption from some retirement rules, and says this may help recruit and retain senior staff because Utah's wage levels are hard to match.
▶ Watch at 23:48Read what they said
Um, I believe you're referring to the Attorney General's Senior Staff Exemption election. Um, and you know, I, let's see it, it says that it authorizes the senior staff in the Attorney General's office, uh, including the Attorney General himself or herself, uh, to be exempt from some of the rules. I don't know exactly why that would be, but I would assume we have a lot of, um, a lot of needs in the Attorney General's office in terms of, um, personnel and, and retaining staff. At a very high level, those Utah has become a very important hub for international legal teams. And so it's very difficult to retain senior staff at, at, at state wage levels. And …
S.B. 25 Retirement Modifications · House floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Responds that small differences in benefits can matter in hiring and retention, and that the provision applies only to that specific part of the retirement system.
▶ Watch at 25:22Read what they said
Uh, Mr. Speaker, I would, uh, in answer to that, I would say that, um, sometimes just hiring and, uh, it, it's sometimes those very subtle differences can make a big difference in hiring even and also in retaining. So I would assume that it is an opportunity for them to be able to attract and retain staff, um, only in that very specific part of the URS, which is, you know, vast. It's, it, there are many participants in URS, but we're only talking about the Attorney General's office and they do have specific and, and different needs than most of the offices throughout the state employment system.
S.B. 25 Retirement Modifications · House floor debate (day 16) · Feb 4, 2026
Closes by saying the provision helps hire for short-term cases in the Attorney General's office and asks for support of the bill as a set of modifications to the retirement system.
▶ Watch at 27:35Read what they said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate further clarification on that practice. Um, I would say that, uh, I know that sometimes we have to hire staff for a specific case and that may be short in duration, not long enough for an attorney, for example, to, to, um, become fully vested in URS, and yet it may be part of the package that would attract an employee. So, and as, as I said, that only pertains to the Attorney General's office and they do have unique staffing situations. But I, um, the rest of, of the bill and including that one, I would appreciate your support. Um, it will just help our, we have a great retirement system in Utah. …
H.B. 110 Offender Modifications · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 2, 2026
Moved to adopt the second substitute to HB 110.
▶ Watch at 1:08:26Read what they said
I'd like to move that we, um, adopt the second substitute to HB one 10.
H.B. 110 Offender Modifications · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 2, 2026
Said the substitute appears to address many issues in the original bill and has broad agreement.
▶ Watch at 1:08:38Read what they said
Uh, just, uh, that it sounds like it, it satisfied a lot of the issues that were in the underlying bill and, um, with broad agreement, so, Alright.
H.B. 48 Criminal and Juvenile Justice Changes · House Judiciary Committee · Feb 2, 2026
Asks what age 25 would mean in practice and where individuals between 18 and 25 are held while they wait for a transfer decision.
▶ Watch at 1:39:23Read what they said
Thank, thank you. Um, I wondered, so you said age 25 would be ideal, um, to transfer to an adult, but what about, um, what do you do with that individual between 18 and 25?
H.B. 79 Governmental Immunity Amendments · House floor debate (day 14) · Feb 2, 2026
Speaks in support of the bill as a clarification of legislative intent and says first responders should be able to respond to emergencies without hesitation.
▶ Watch at 38:41Read what they said
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to rise in support of this common sense legislation that is life affirming. And, um, I also wanted to observe that more and more of our bills, and I know I have one this year also, which addresses misinterpretations or, um, interpretation issues with the judiciary. And this seems to be one of those where we need to clarify what the intent is of the legislature. And, um, so I really support this legislation. It's also true that disasters happen every day and our first responders respond to those. Sometimes there are mass, um, a general disaster. Sometimes it's in an individual life and we don't want to, um, dissuade them from responding …
H.B. 152 Educational Vaccine Exemption Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Said current exemptions are adequate and informed consent remains important despite inconvenience, and she will vote against the motion.
▶ Watch at 1:23:28Read what they said
Um, thank you. Um, Mr. Vice Chair, um, like one of the video commenters said, um, I do support the health freedom. I think health through, they've done so many great things already. Um, and I value freedom generally speak, you know, I mean, it's like the most important thing, but I am satisfied. So when I learned about this bill, I looked to see what the current status is and the exemptions that we have. And we have great exemptions in the law for medical, religious, or personal reasons we can exempt. And I think that's very important. But I also believe in informed consent. And although this informed consent is inconvenient, um, at times, I think it's still …
H.B. 179 Milk Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Jan 30, 2026
Asks whether the bill would move Utah toward Idaho's approach to raw milk.
▶ Watch at 1:37:20Read what they said
I just, uh, I just wondered, do you know, is this taking us to kind of how they do things in Idaho? I should have asked you guys this before, but I believe In Idaho. I'm not sure what Idaho's doing.
S.B. 25 Retirement Modifications · House floor debate (day 11) · Jan 30, 2026
Moves that the House circle SB 25.
▶ Watch at 4:15Read what they said
go ahead and place the motion, the motion before us the House circle SB 25.
H.B. 139 Female Genital Mutilation Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Rep. Acton moved to adopt the first substitute to HB 139.
▶ Watch at 2:28:25Read what they said
Thank you Madam Chair. I'd like to make a motion that we pass out favorably, HB 1 39 Female genital muta. I, I I'm sorry, with the substitute. Oh, I need to first do the substitute. That, That's what I heard was that you are motioning to adopt the first Substitute. I would like to adopt the first substitute to HB 1 39.
H.B. 139 Female Genital Mutilation Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Jan 28, 2026
A member said the explanation of the bill was excellent and clear about why it is needed. · speaker not certain
▶ Watch at 2:28:51Read what they said
Uh, no. I thought it was an excellent explanation and very clear about why we need this.
H.B. 139 Female Genital Mutilation Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Rep. Acton moved to pass HB 139 as substituted out favorably to the House floor and said she supports the bill.
▶ Watch at 2:29:31Read what they said
I'd like to make a motion that we pass out favorably HB 1 39 as substituted to the floor of the house. Alright. The motion is to favorably recommend for substitute of House Bill 1 39. Would you like to speak to that? I just, I, I've, I've been aware of this legislation, you know, since Representative Ivory, um, kind of championed it nationally and so forth. Um, I did not, I was not aware that the statute of limitations would, would be an issue. And so I hope that other states are also addressing that. Um, but I appreciate this bill and I, I think it's, um, very important. Thank you.
H.B. 139 Female Genital Mutilation Amendments · House Judiciary Committee · Jan 28, 2026
Rep. Acton moved to approve the minutes of the January 23, 2026 meeting.
▶ Watch at 2:30:55Read what they said
And we need a motion on the minutes. Representative Acton, I'd like to make a motion that we approve the minutes.
H.B. 108 Minors in State Custody Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Asks for a review of the current formula compared with the proposed percentages.
▶ Watch at 47:45Read what they said
You, Madam Chair. Um, I am wondering, can you review again the current formula versus the proposed change in this in terms of, you know, percentages?
H.B. 108 Minors in State Custody Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Asks whether youth will receive a lump sum or periodic payments.
▶ Watch at 50:10Read what they said
Okay. May I ask a follow up there? Yes. Um, so when they do get their money, or you know, when, when they're 18, I suppose, will they get all of it as a windfall or will it be like a trust where it's so much per month
H.B. 108 Minors in State Custody Amendments · House Health and Human Services Committee · Jan 22, 2026
Asks whether the benefit is meant for maintenance and why the amount is so large.
▶ Watch at 50:53Read what they said
Okay. And then I have one more thing. Yeah, go ahead. Um, that money is given by SSI, I guess, right? Um, do they say that it's for their maintenance, that's why they, they send that money every month, right? Is to pay for their room and board and, but apparently it's way more than they would actually need. Is that, is that why it's such a large
From the official recordings' automatic captions, with speakers and summaries identified by AI. Use the ▶ links to check the recording before you rely on a quote.